Modular multi-parameter patient monitoring device

ABSTRACT

A multi-parameter patient monitoring device rack can dock a plurality of patient monitor modules and can communicate with a separate display unit. A signal processing unit can be incorporated into the device rack. A graphics processing unit can be attached to the display unit. The device rack and the graphic display unit can have improved heat dissipation and drip-proof features. The multi-parameter patient monitoring device rack can provide interchangeability and versatility to a multi-parameter patient monitoring system by allowing use of different display units and monitoring of different combinations of parameters. A dual-use patient monitor module can have its own display unit configured for displaying one or more parameters when used as a stand-alone device, and can be docked into the device rack when a handle on the module is folded down.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/409,625, filed May 10, 2019, entitled “MODULARMULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING DEVICE”, now U.S. Pat. No.10,667,762, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/903,526, filed Feb. 23, 2018, entitled “MODULAR MULTI-PARAMETERPATIENT MONITORING DEVICE” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,327,713, whichclaims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/463,297,filed Feb. 24, 2017, titled “MODULAR MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORINGDEVICE,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to patient monitoring. In particular, thepresent disclosure relates to multi-parameter patient monitoringtechnology.

BACKGROUND

Patient care often requires monitoring of a number of parameters,including but are not limited to Oxygen Saturation (SpO2), Pulse Rate(PR), Perfusion Index (PI), Total Hemoglobin (SpHb), Oxygen Content(SpOC), Pleth Variability Index (PVI®), Methemoglobin (SpMet),Carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO), Respiration Rate (RR), noninvasive bloodpressure (NBP), EEG, EKG and the like. Multi-parameter patientmonitoring systems, for example, the Root® Patient Monitoring andConnectivity Platform of Masimo (Irvine, Calif.), can simultaneouslymeasure and display relevant vital parameters, and can be integratedinto the hospital bedside monitors and/or the anesthetic machines inoperating rooms.

Multi-parameter patient monitoring systems can have a docking station ora device rack configured to receive a plurality of patient monitorprocessing modules. The docking station can provide basic connectivitybetween the one or more patient monitor modules or sensors and theprocessing components, and may not have its own processing unit forprocessing the signals from the one or more modules or sensors. Theprocessing components can process patient data received from the patientmonitor modules. The processing components can often be integrated witha display device. The monitoring system can also have a graphicsprocessing unit for displaying at least a portion of the patient data onthe display device. The patient monitor modules can have a sensor portfor receiving a physiological sensor. The patient monitor modules canhave their own signal and graphics processors and display screens so asto be used as portable patient monitor devices.

SUMMARY

Heat management may not be a big concern in traditional multi-parameterpatient monitoring systems, which do not require a powerful graphicsprocessing unit as the parameters being displayed include mostly numbersand simple charts. It is becoming more desirable to have multi-parameterpatient monitoring systems become increasingly more capable ofdisplaying graphic-rich contents, such as animations and simulations,including three-dimensional simulations. However, more graphic-richgraphics processing units have not been incorporated in currentmulti-parameter patient monitoring systems because the more graphic-richgraphics processing units create significant heat that can be difficultto dissipate. The present disclosure provides a multi-parameter patientmonitoring system incorporating a graphic-rich graphics processing unitby solving the heat dissipation issue.

Current multi-parameter patient monitoring systems typically have thesignal processing unit and graphics processing unit located in the samehousing. Heat can be accumulated quickly within the housing when thepatient monitoring system is in use even in systems that uselow-capability graphics processing units. A more graphic-rich graphicsprocessing unit can generate a higher amount of heat when in use causingsignificantly more heat build-up and potentially damaging the system.Heat accumulated inside the housing needs to be effectively dissipatedto avoid overheating of the electrical circuitry. Typical vent openings,such as those located on one side of the housing, are inadequate. Morevent openings and/or bigger vent openings, and/or bigger fans may beneeded to allow more air to enter the housing for cooling the processor.Fans capable of pulling sufficient air flow through vents are often loudand a nuisance. More and/or bigger openings can make the housing of theprocessing unit less effective at muffling the sound noise from thefans.

Furthermore, vent openings large enough to effectively dissipate heatgenerated by both the signal processing unit and the graphics processingunit would open the processing components to contamination or damagefrom the hospital environment. Liquids, such as IV drips, disinfectingsolutions, and/or others, can enter into the housing from the ventopenings. Exposure of electrical circuits inside the monitoring systemhousing to liquid can result in short-circuiting, malfunctioning of themonitoring system, and/or endanger the safety of the healthcarepersonnel and/or the patient due to electric shock.

Current multi-parameter patient monitoring systems are also often bulkyand difficult to move because of the integrated display device. Typicalmulti-parameter patient monitors with integrated displays do not allowfor interchangeable patient monitor processing modules of differentsizes and configurations. For example, patients in a step-down unit mayhave more mobility than patients in an intensive care unit (ICU), andmay not need to be monitored on a large number of parameters. Thesepatients may also not want their movements restricted by the cablesconnecting the patients to the bulky patient monitoring system. It wouldbe advantageous for patients in the step-down unit to have a wearablemonitoring device with a small display device. As an alternativeexample, patients in the ICU may require extensive monitoring of theirvital parameters and a large display device can provide more room fordisplaying a multitude of parameters and/or charts. While it is possibleto have monitors with two different sized displays, it is expensive forhospitals to keep two sizes of the patient monitoring systems and demandfor each size of the patient monitoring systems may be unpredictable.

The current monitoring systems also typically have a predetermined setof sensor ports such that the types of parameters that the currentmonitoring systems are able to measure and display cannot be customizedbased on the use. Different patient care settings can require monitoringof different parameters, requiring multiple different types ofmonitoring systems. For example, patients in the ICU may requiremonitoring of a large number of parameters, including nitric oxide,brain activities and the like, whereas patients in a less acutecondition, such as in a step-down unit or an emergency room, may onlyneed to be monitored for a subset of basic parameters. It is expensiveand impractical to manufacture a multi-parameter patient monitoringsystem that offers all possible combinations of parameters. It is alsoexpensive for hospitals to have to keep patient monitoring systems withdifferent combinations of parameter measuring capabilities.

In addition, manufacturers of current patient monitoring systemscommonly provide compatibility among sensors and/or processingcomponents from the same manufacturer. These systems may be incompatiblewith third party sensors and/or processing components, thereby limitingthe scope of parameters that a multi-parameter patient monitoring systemcan display.

Some small patient monitoring devices, such as the patient monitormodules, can potentially be used as either a stand-alone device ordocked into a docking station of a multi-patient monitoring system as amodule. However, some small patient monitoring devices may not have thebrick-like overall shape in order to fit into the docking station. Forexample, portable patient monitoring devices can commonly have a handlefor ease of being carried around. The handle prevents the patientmonitoring devices from being able to fit into a docking station of amulti-parameter patient monitoring system. Patient monitor modules canhave a shape suitable for being received by a docking station, but maynot have handles. These patient monitor modules can thus lackportability as it can be inconvenient to hand-carry the modules todifferent locations in a hospital.

The present disclosure provides example multi-parameter patientmonitoring systems that remedy those technical problems of currentmulti-parameter patient monitoring devices and/or other problems. Thepresent disclosure includes a multi-parameter patient monitoring systemhaving a display unit with a graphics processing unit attached, and adevice rack including a signal processing unit enclosed by a device rackhousing. The graphics processing unit can have a housing with ventopenings for heat dissipation and/or a drip-proof outer shell to shieldthe vent openings from fluid without blocking an air flow path throughthe vent openings. The device rack can be configured to dock a pluralityof patient monitor modules and can communicate with the separate displayunit. The device rack can also have an improved air flow path todissipate heat in the device rack and/or drip-proof features. Thepatient monitor modules can be coupled with one or more sensors, andhave their own processing units and optionally their own displayscreens. The device rack can also have vent openings to allow theimproved air flow to cool the processing units of the patient monitormodules. The modules can be third party patient monitoring modules or“bricks”. The modules can have one size or different sizes.

The display unit can be connected to one multi-parameter patientmonitoring device rack. The display unit can also be connected to aplurality of multi-parameter patient monitoring device racks, forexample, when the number of parameters that require simultaneousmonitoring exceeds the module hosting capacity of one device rack.

The present disclosure also provides a solution to the technical problemof lack of compatibility between small portable patient monitoringdevices and the docking stations of a multi-parameter patient monitoringsystem. A dual-use patient monitor module can function as a stand-alonedevice with its own sensor(s), processing unit, and display screen. Whenused as a stand-alone device, the module can have a handle in anextended position to improve transportability. The dual-use patientmonitor module can also be fit into a dock on a multi-parameter patientmonitoring device rack when a handle on the dual-use device is foldeddown. The dual-use device housing can have a recess or groove configuredto house the folded-down handle so that the housing can have a smoothouter profile.

A multi-parameter patient monitoring system of the present disclosurecan comprise a device rack including a plurality of docks, wherein theplurality of docks can be configured to receive a plurality of patientmonitor modules, the plurality of patient monitor modules eachconfigured for connecting to one or more sensors so as to measure one ormore physiological parameters, the device rack further comprising asignal processing unit configured to receive and process signals fromthe patient monitor modules; and a display unit physically separate fromthe device rack and having a separate housing and configured tocommunicate with the signal processing unit of the device rack todisplay values of the one or more physiological parameters determined bythe signal processing unit, the display unit further comprising agraphics processing unit. The graphics processing unit can comprise ahousing, the housing comprising a plurality of vent openings. Thegraphics processing unit can comprise an outer shell, the housingdisposed at least partially within the shell so that liquid drops ontothe graphics processing unit are directed away from the vent openings bythe shell. An inner surface of the shell can be spaced apart from thevent openings by a gap of a predetermined size. The graphic processingunit can be generally rectangular, the inner surface of the shell beingspaced apart from an outer side surface of the housing by a gap on allfour sides. The shell can comprise an opening that allows access tocable connection ports on the housing, the opening on a side of thehousing with no vent openings. The shell can comprise an opening, theopening allowing access to a mounting arm connector on a front surfaceof the housing. The signal processing unit can be located in a firstportion of the device rack and the plurality of docks can be located ina second portion of the device rack, wherein the device rack cancomprise a first vent opening in the first portion. The device rack canfurther comprise a second vent opening in the second portion so that afan in the second portion can draw air into the second portion, whereinthe air can flow over the signal processing unit and exits through thefirst vent opening. The system can further comprise a second device rackincluding a plurality of docks and a signal processing unit, the seconddevice rack in electrical communication with the display unit so as todisplay values of additional physiological parameters on the displayunit. Each of the plurality of docks can be uniformly sized, and theplurality of docks can be configured to receive modular patient monitormodules having a size configured to fit into one or more of theuniformly sized docks.

A method of measuring and displaying a value of a physiologicalparameter using a multi-parameter patient monitoring system can compriseusing a signal processing unit, receiving a patient data signal from apatient monitor processing module received in a dock of a device rack ofthe multi-parameter patient monitoring system, the device rackcomprising a housing that encloses the signal processing unit and atleast a portion of the dock; processing the patient data signal so as todetermine one or more physiological parameters of a patient; andproviding the determined one or more physiological parameters to agraphics processing unit located in a separate housing, wherein theseparate housing can be attached to a display unit. The method canfurther comprise using the graphics processing unit, receiving thedetermined one or more physiological parameters from the signalprocessing unit; and rendering display content related to the determinedone or more physiological parameters for the display unit. The methodcan further comprise activating a fan inside the device rack housing tocool the signal processing unit. The device rack housing can comprise atleast two vent openings on opposite sides of the housing, the fanconfigured to draw air across the at least two vent openings. The methodcan further comprise activating a fan inside the separate housing tocool the graphics processing unit. The separate housing can comprise atleast two vent openings on opposite sides of the separate housing, thefan configured to draw air across the at least two vent openings. Themethod can further comprise using a second signal processing unit of asecond device rack to receive and process a second patient data signalfrom a second patient monitor module received in the second device rackso as to determine additional physiological parameters of the patient,and to provide the determined additional physiological parameters to thegraphics processing unit.

A device rack of a multi-parameter patient monitoring system can haveimproved heat dissipation. The device rack can be configured toelectrically communicate with a graphics processing unit outside thedevice rack. The device rack can comprise a device rack housing having afront side, a back side, and a side surface extending between the frontand back sides, the back side comprising a plurality of vent openings; adock housing comprising a plurality of docks configured to receive aplurality of patient monitor modules, the plurality of patient monitormodules each configured for connecting to one or more sensors so as tomeasure one or more physiological parameters, wherein the dock housingcan be located in a first portion of the device rack housing and can bespaced apart from an inner wall of the device rack housing to define agap; a signal processing unit configured to receive and process signalsfrom the patient monitor modules, wherein the signal processing unit canbe located in a second portion of the housing; and a fan located in thesecond portion of the housing and at or near the plurality of openingson the back side, wherein the fan can be configured to draw air into thegap to flow past the signal processing unit before exiting through theplurality of vent openings. The dock housing can comprise a plurality ofvent openings adjacent to the gap. The gap can be located in a recessedor inclined portion of the housing. The dock housing can extend outwardfrom the front side of the device rack.

A stand-alone graphics processing unit of a multi-parameter patientmonitoring system with improved heat dissipation can comprise a housingcomprising a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extendingbetween the front and back surfaces to define a substantially enclosedspace, the housing comprising a plurality of vent opening on oppositesides of the side surface; one or more graphics processors in theenclosed space, the one or more graphics processors configured tocommunicate with a signal processing unit of the multi-parameter patientmonitoring system to receive values of the one or more physiologicalparameters determined by the signal processing unit, the signalprocessing unit located in a device rack of the multi-parameter patientmonitoring system; and a fan in the enclosed housing, wherein the fancan be configured to draw air across the plurality of vent openings onthe opposite sides of the side surface so as to cool the graphicsprocessors. The unit can further comprise an outer shell extendingaround the side surface of the housing so that liquid drops onto theunit can be directed away from the vent opening by the shell. An innersurface of the shell can be spaced from the vent opening on the housingby a gap of a predetermined size, the gap allowing air to enter and/orexit through the plurality of vent openings. The front surface of thehousing can extend outward from the outer shell.

A hardware processing unit of the present disclosure for use in anenvironment in which the hardware processing unit is exposed to fluiddrops can comprise one or more hardware processors; a housing comprisinga front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending betweenthe front and back surfaces to define a substantially enclosed space,the one or more hardware processors disposed in the enclosed space, theside surface of the housing comprising at least one vent opening toallow heat inside the substantially enclose space to be dissipated; andan outer shell extending around the side surface of the housing so thatliquid drops onto the unit can be directed away from the at least onevent opening by the shell. An inner surface of the shell can be spacedfrom the at least one vent opening on the housing by a gap of apredetermined size. The hardware processing unit can be generallyrectangular, the inner surface of the shell being spaced apart from theside surface of the housing by a gap on all four sides. The frontsurface of the housing can extend outward from the outer shell. Thehardware processing unit can further comprise a fan in the substantiallyenclosed space of the housing, wherein the housing can comprise at leasttwo vent openings on opposite sides of the housing, the fan configuredto draw air across the at least two vent openings. The shell cancomprise one or more openings that allow access to electrical and/ormechanical connectors on the housing.

A hardware processing unit for use in an environment in which thehardware processing unit is exposed to fluid drops can comprise one ormore hardware processors; a housing comprising a front side, a backside, and a side surface extending between the front and back sides, theone or more hardware processors disposed in the housing, the housingcomprising at least one vent opening on each of two opposite sides ofthe housing to allow heat inside the housing to be dissipated; and anouter shell extending around the side surface of the housing so thatliquid drops onto the unit can be directed away from the vent openingsby the shell. The housing can extend outward from the outer shell at thefront or back side of the housing. The unit can further comprise a fanto draw air across the at least one vent opening on one of the twoopposite sides to the at least one vent opening on the other of the twoopposite sides. A substantially enclosed space can be defined by theside surface extending between the front and back sides of the housing,the vent openings located on opposite sides of the side surface. Thevent openings can be located on the front and back sides of the housing.The vent opening on the front side of the housing can be located at arecessed or inclined portion of the housing.

A dual-use patient monitoring device of the present disclosure cancomprise a plurality of ports configured for connecting to one or moresensors; a processing unit in communication with the one or more sensorsand configured to measure one or more patient parameters; a display unitin communication with the processing unit and configured to display theone or more patient parameters; and a housing with a foldable handle,wherein the handle can have a retracted position to allow the housing tobe docked into a multi-parameter patient monitoring device rack having aplurality of docks, and wherein the handle can have an extended positionto allow the device to be carried by holding onto the handle. Thehousing can comprise a recess, the recessed configured to receive thehandle in the retracted position so that the handle does not protrudeoutward from an outer wall of the handle. The housing can be generallyrectangularly shaped. The handle can be located at a surface that facesupward when the device is placed in an upright position.

Any feature, structure, or step disclosed herein can be replaced with orcombined with any other feature, structure, or step disclosed herein, oromitted. Further, for purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certainaspects, advantages, and features of the inventions have been describedherein. It is to be understood that not necessarily any or all suchadvantages are achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment ofthe inventions disclosed herein. No individual aspects of thisdisclosure are essential or indispensable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings forillustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limitingthe scope of the embodiments. Furthermore, various features of differentdisclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments,which are part of this disclosure. Corresponding numerals indicatecorresponding parts.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate perspective views of an example multi-parameterpatient monitoring system having a device rack and a display unit.

FIGS. 1C-1F illustrate front, back, top, and side views of the devicerack of FIGS. 1A-1B with a plurality of patient monitor modules receivedin the device rack.

FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrate partially exploded perspective views of thedevice rack with one patient monitor module removed.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate perspective views of another examplemulti-parameter patient monitoring system.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate perspective views of another examplemulti-parameter patient monitoring system.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example hardware block diagram of any of theexample multi-parameter patient monitoring systems of FIGS. 1A-3B.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate example heat dissipation features of a graphicsprocessing unit attached to a display device of the patient monitoringsystem of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate example heat dissipation and drip-proof featuresof a graphics processing unit attached to a display device of thepatient monitoring systems of FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B.

FIG. 6D illustrates an example subassembly of a housing and an outershell of the graphics processing unit of the patient monitoring systemsof FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B.

FIGS. 6E-6F illustrate an example housing of the graphics processingunit of the patient monitoring systems of FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B.

FIG. 6G illustrates an example outer shell of the graphics processingunit of the patient monitoring systems of FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate example heat dissipation and/or drip-prooffeatures of a device rack of the patient monitoring system of FIGS.1A-3B.

FIG. 8A illustrates the device rack of the patient monitoring system ofFIGS. 1A-1B with an example dual-use patient monitor module partiallyremoved.

FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate the example dual-use patient monitor moduleof FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example dual-use patient monitor moduleconfigured to be received by a device rack disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates schematically example multi-parameter patientmonitoring systems for various clinical applications.

FIG. 11 illustrates schematically various combinations of patientmonitoring modules docked into a plurality of modular patient monitoringdevice racks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the disclosure are provided with respect to the figures andvarious embodiments. One of skill in the art will appreciate, however,that other embodiments and configurations of the devices and methodsdisclosed herein will still fall within the scope of this disclosureeven if not described in the same detail as some other embodiments.Aspects of various embodiments discussed do not limit scope of thedisclosure herein, which is instead defined by the claims following thisdescription.

The multi-parameter patient monitoring device racks described herein canhave the same functionality as the hub described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/512,237, filed Oct. 10, 2014 and entitled“SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING MEDICAL MONITORING DATA”, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, except that the multi-parameterpatient monitoring device racks of the present disclosure do not have anintegrated display unit. A remote display unit, such as a tablet PC orcommercial television, in wireless communication with themulti-parameter patient monitoring device rack, can provide the samefunctionality as the display device of the hub described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/512,237.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a multi-parameter patient monitoring system100 can have a device rack 110 in communication with a separate displayunit 120. The device rack 110 and the display unit 120 can be connectedusing any known wireless technology. The device rack 110 and the displayunit 120 can also be connected with cables. The connection between themulti-parameter patient monitoring device rack and the display unit canbe by cables, by wireless technology, or both. The multi-parameterpatient monitoring device rack can be in electrical communication withany types of display unit, for example, with a tablet PC, a laptop, aTV, a large screen graphic display screen, and the like. As disclosedherein, the device rack 110 can be in electrical communication with agraphic display unit 120. The graphic display unit 120 can be attachedto a graphic processing unit 122.

As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the device rack 110 can have a rack housing112 enclosing a plurality of docking stations 116. The housing 112 canalso enclose a signal processing unit 114. As shown in FIGS. 1E and 1G,the device rack 110 can also include a fan 113 on or near its back side.The device rack 110 can further include a plurality of cable ports 115configured for receiving one or more cables, such as for connecting tothe display unit 120, to another device rack, and/or to a power supply.The multi-parameter monitoring device rack can also house a battery. Thedevice rack can further have a speaker 117 for audio output.

As shown in FIG. 1H, the plurality of docks 116 can receive patientmonitor modules or bricks 130, 132, 134, 136, 138. The docks 116 canhave varying sizes. The docks 116 can also have the same size. Thepatient monitor modules 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 can each include one ormore sensors ports configured to connect with one or more sensors. Thepatient monitor modules 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 can also each optionallyhave a processing unit configured to be in communication with one ormore connected sensors to measure any of the parameters described above.The patient monitor modules 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 can each optionallyhave its own display device to display values of the patient parameters.

When the patient monitor modules 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 are received inthe plurality of docks 116, signals from the individual modules 130,132, 134, 136, 138 can be sent to the signal processing units 114 of themulti-parameter monitoring device rack 110 for processing. Themulti-parameter monitoring device rack 110 can in turn output one ormore values of physiological parameters to be displayed on the separatedisplay unit 120. Parameters measured by the individual modules can bedisplayed, for example, simultaneously on the separate display unit. Theindividual modules 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 can be made by the samemanufacturer as the device rack. At least some of the individual modules130, 132, 134, 136, 138 can also be third-party modules made bydifferent manufacturers.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a multi-parameter patient monitoring system200 having any of features of the multi-parameter patient monitoringsystem 100 and other features described below. Accordingly, features ofthe multi-parameter patient monitoring system 100 can be incorporatedinto features of the multi-parameter patient monitoring system 200, andfeatures of the multi-parameter patient monitoring system 200 can beincorporated into features of the multi-parameter patient monitoringsystem 100. Corresponding parts are designated corresponding referencenumerals with the same last two digits throughout the disclosure.

The multi-parameter patient monitoring system 200 can have a device rack210 in communication with a separate display unit 220. The graphicdisplay unit 220 can be attached to a graphics processing unit 222. Thegraphics processing unit 222 can be attached to a side of the graphicdisplay unit 220 opposite a display screen.

The graphic display unit 220 can be mounted to a movable mounting arm280. The mounting arm 280 can have one end fixed to a wall or table in ahospital room. The mounting arm 280 can also have the one end fixed to amovable cart. As shown in FIG. 2B, the other end of the mounting arm 280can be pivotally and/or rotationally coupled to a mounting bar 282 on ahousing 224 of the graphics processing unit 222. The housing 224 canhave a front side and a back side. The back side can be the side facingthe display unit 220. The mounting bar 282 can be located on the frontside. The mounting arm 280 can also optionally be coupled to the displayunit 220 instead. The coupling of the mounting arm 280 and the graphicsprocessing unit 222 and/or the graphic display unit 220 can be achievedby any coupling features, such as by magnets, ball and socket joint, andthe like. The display unit 220 can include one or more handles 221 toimprove ease in adjusting a position of the display unit 220. Thelocation of the handle(s) 221 is not limiting. The device rack 220 canbe supported by a second mounting arm 285. The mounting arm 280 and thesecond mounting arm 285 can be fixed to the same reference object, suchas to the wall of a hospital room or the same cart, or to differentreference objects.

The device rack 210 and the graphics processing unit 222 can beconnected with cables 290. The graphics processing unit 222 and thedisplay unit 220 can be connected with a cable 292. The connectionsdescribed herein can also alternatively or additionally be achieved bywireless technology.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a multi-parameter patient monitoring system300 having any of features of the multi-parameter patient monitoringsystem 100, 200 and other features described below. Accordingly,features of the multi-parameter patient monitoring system 100, 200 canbe incorporated into features of the multi-parameter patient monitoringsystem 300, and features of the multi-parameter patient monitoringsystem 300 can be incorporated into features of the multi-parameterpatient monitoring system 100, 200. Corresponding parts are designatedcorresponding reference numerals with the same last two digits.

The multi-parameter patient monitoring system 300 can have a firstdevice rack 310 and a second device rack 310 in communication with aseparate display unit 320. The graphic display unit 320 can have agreater display area than the display unit 120, 220, to display moreparameters from the first and second display racks 310.

The graphic display unit 320 can be attached to a graphics processingunit 322. The graphics processing unit 322 can be attached to a side ofthe graphic display unit 320 opposite the display screen. The graphicdisplay unit 320 can be mounted to a movable mounting arm 380 asdescribed above. As shown in FIG. 3B, the mounting arm 380 can bepivotally and/or rotationally coupled to a mounting bar 382 on a housing324 of the graphics processing unit 322. The type of coupling of themounting arm 380 and the graphics processing unit 322 and/or the graphicdisplay unit 320 is not limiting. The display unit 320 can include oneor more handles 321 to improve ease in adjusting a position of thedisplay unit. The location of the handle(s) 221 is not limiting. Thedevice racks 310 can also be supported by a second mounting arm 385.

The device racks 310 and the graphics processing unit 322 can beconnected with one or more cables 390. The graphics processing unit 322and the display unit 322 can be connected with a cable 392. The firstand second device racks 310 can also be connected by a cable 394. Theconnections described herein can also alternatively or additionally beachieved by wireless technology.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example hardware block diagram of themulti-parameter monitoring system as shown in FIGS. 1A-3B. The housing412 of the device rack can position and/or encompass an instrument board450 with instrument board processor(s) 465, memory 451, and the variouscommunication connections, which can include the serial ports 452, thechannel ports 453, Ethernet ports 454, nurse call port 455, othercommunication ports 456 including standard USB or the like, and thedocking station interface 457.

The instrument board 450 can have one or more substrates includingcommunication interconnects, wiring, ports and the like to enable thecommunications and functions described herein, including inter-boardcommunications. The instrument board 450 can include a core board 458,which can include the signal processor(s) and other processor(s), andmemory. The instrument board 450 can include a portable monitor board(“RIB”) 459 with one or more processors and patient electrical isolation460 for the patient monitor modules. The instrument board 450 caninclude a channel board (“MID”) 461 that can control communication withthe channel ports 453, which can include optional patient electricalisolation 462 and power supply 463. The instrument board 450 can includea radio board 464, which can have components configured for wirelesscommunications. Additionally, the instrument board 450 can include oneor more processors and controllers, busses, all manner of communicationconnectivity and electronics, memory, memory readers including EPROMreaders, and other electronics recognizable to an artisan from thedisclosure herein. Each board can include substrates for positioning andsupport, interconnect for communications, electronic componentsincluding controllers, logic devices, hardware/software combinations andthe like. The instrument board 450 can include a large number ofelectronic components organized in a large number of ways.

The signal processors in the housing 412 of the device rack can outputmeasured patient data to the channel port 453, which can be connected toa channel port on the graphics processing unit 422. The graphicsprocessing unit 422 can cause at least a portion of the patient data tobe displayed on the display unit 420. The graphics processing unit 422can render images, animations, and/or video for the screen of thedisplay unit 420.

As the multi-parameter monitoring device rack 110, 210, 310, 410 and thedisplay unit 120, 220, 320, 420 are separate units, the multi-parametermonitoring device rack and/or the display unit can be highly portable.The display unit may not need to be moved with the multi-parameterpatient monitoring device rack and can stay in each room in thehospital. For example, the display unit can be mounted on a wall in theroom or on a mounting arm as described above. When multi-parameterpatient monitoring is required, one or more multi-parameter patientmonitoring device racks can be brought into the room and connected tothe display unit. The multi-parameter patient monitoring device rack canalso be mounted on a wall in the room or on a mounting arm as describedabove.

Compared to having the signal processing unit and the graphicsprocessing unit in the same housing, the multi-parameter patientmonitoring systems in FIGS. 1A-4 can have better heat management. Heatgenerated by the signal processing unit and the graphics processing unitcan be dissipated independently of each other through vent openings onthe device rack housing and the graphics display unit housing (whichwill be described below), respectively. The signal processing unit wouldless likely be overheated due to heat generated by the graphicsprocessing unit and vice versa. Heat dissipation features in themulti-parameter monitoring device racks and the graphics processing unitwill be described below.

Example Graphics Processing Units with Improved Heat Dissipation

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate how heat can be dissipated in the graphicsprocessing unit 122 that is coupled to the display unit 120 of thepatient monitoring system 100 in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As discussed above,the graphics processing unit can generate heat when in use. As shown inFIGS. 5A-5C, the graphics processing unit 122 can include a fan 123inside the housing 124. The housing 124 can also include a plurality ofvent opening 125 on opposing side walls of the housing 124.

When the fan 123 is turned on, for example, by a controller in thegraphics processing unit 122, the vent openings 125 on opposite sidewalls of the housing 124 can result in a flow of air between the twoside walls of the housing 124. Cross flow of air is more efficient atcooling the processors than heat exchanges between air inside andoutside the housing via vent openings on only one side of the housing.In FIG. 5A, incoming arrows show cool air, such as air at ambient and/orroom temperature, entering the graphics processing unit 122. Outgoingarrows show heated air, such as air having passed over the processors,leaving the graphics processing unit 122. FIG. 5C illustrates theorientation of the graphics processing unit 122 when it is in use. Asshown in FIG. 5C, the vent openings 125 can be located on left and rightside walls of the housing 124. Having the vent openings 125 on the leftand right side walls instead of the top and bottom side walls can reducethe likelihood of liquid drops, such as medication, IV fluids, and thelike, from entering into the housing 124.

FIGS. 6A-6G illustrate a graphics processing unit 622, which can be thegraphics processing unit 222, 322 of the patient monitoring systems 200,300 in FIGS. 2A-3B. The graphics processing unit 622 can have any offeature of the graphics processing unit 122 described above and otherfeatures described below. Accordingly, features of the graphicsprocessing unit 622 and features of the graphics processing unit 122 canbe incorporated into each other.

The graphics processing unit 622 can have a housing 624. The housing 624has a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extendingbetween the front and back surfaces to define a substantially enclosedspace. The back surface can be facing the display unit 620 when thegraphics processing unit 622 is attached to the display unit 620. Thefront surface can include a mounting bar 682 for coupling with amounting arm. The graphics processor(s) can be located in thesubstantially enclosed space. A fan, such as one shown in FIG. 5C, canalso be located in the substantially enclosed space. The housing 624 canhave a plurality of vent openings 625 (see FIGS. 6E and 6F) on oppositeside walls of the housing 624. When the fan is turned on, air can bedrawn into the housing 624 via the vent openings 625 on one side andexit the vent opening 625 on the opposite side. As illustrated in FIG.6E, the vent opening 625 can include a plurality of slits that aresubstantially parallel to one another on a side wall of the housing 624.The slits can span a substantial portion of a length of the housing 624.The slits can also have a height extending along a substantial portionof a height of the housing 624. As shown in FIG. 6F, each of theopenings 625 on one side wall of the housing 624 can face acorresponding opening 625 on the opposite side of the housing 624 sothat air can be drawn into one of the vent openings 625 on one side andexit the corresponding vent opening 625 on the opposite side in astraight path. The vent openings 625 can be on the left and right sidewalls of the housing 624 to reduce the likelihood of liquid dropsentering in the housing 624 via the openings 625 than vent openings ontop and bottom side walls.

The graphics processing unit 622 can also have an outer shell 626 thatcan further reduce the likelihood of liquid drops entering through theopening 625. The outer shell 626 can extend at least circumferentiallyaround the side wall of the housing 624. The outer shell 626 can leavethe mounting bar 682 exposed for coupling with a mounting arm. The outershell 626 can be shaped and sized such that when coupled to the housing626, an inner surface of the shell 626 is spaced apart at least from thevent openings 625 by a gap 640 having a predetermined size. The innersurface of the shell 626 can be spaced apart from the side walls of thehousing 624 by a gap 640 around the entire side wall of the housing 624.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the graphics processing unit 622 can have agenerally rectangular shape, with the housing 624 and the outer shell626 being also generally rectangular. As shown in FIGS. 6E and 6F, thehousing 624 can have one or more grooves 621 on its side walls. Thehousing 624 can also have a base 628 that has a greater outer dimension(for example, greater width, length, and/or diameter) than a remainderof the housing 624. As shown in FIGS. 6E and 6F, the housing 624 canhave one or more fastening holes 641 so that the housing 624 can beattached to the display unit 620 by a plurality of fasteners, such asscrews, via the fastening holes 641.

As shown in FIG. 6G, the outer shell 626 can have four side wallsdefining a central opening. The outer shell 626 can also be generally atrapezium in its longitudinal cross-section such that it has a widerbase. On the inner surface of the side walls of the shell 626, one ormore ridges 627 can be disposed at locations corresponding to thelocations of the grooves 621 on the housing 624. The ridges 627 can beshaped as wedges and the grooves 621 can correspondingly have a widerbase and a narrower apex, such that the shell 626 can be slidablydisposed onto the housing 624 in only one direction. The shapes of theridges and grooves are not limiting. The number and location(s) of theridges and grooves are also not limiting.

The shell 626 can also have a base portion 629 having a greater internaldiameter than a remainder of the shell 626. The base portion 629 canhave a predetermined depth that is substantially the same as thethickness of the base 628 of the housing 624, and/or an internaldiameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of thehousing base 628. When the shell 626 is slidably disposed onto thehousing 624, the housing base 628 can be received in the base portion629 of the shell 626. The relative shapes and sizes of the grooves 621and the ridges 627, and/or the relative shapes and sizes of the baseportion 629 and the housing base 628 can be configured such that theshell 626 is fixedly attached to the housing 624 by friction. Anexternal force can be applied to overcome the friction so as to removethe shell 626 from the housing 624. The shell 626 can also be fixedlyattached to the housing 624 by other attachment methods, such asadhesives, magnets, ball detents, and the like.

The shell 626 can protect the graphics processing unit 622 by reducingthe likelihood of liquid drops from entering the housing 624 via thevent openings 625. The shell 626 can shield the vent openings 625 fromsplashes of liquid from the left and right sides. The shell 626 can alsodirect liquid drops falling onto the graphics processing unit 622 awayfrom the vent openings. For example, the shell 626 can have across-section of a trapezium so that when the graphics processing unit622 is in use, the top side wall of the shell 626 can have a slope (seeFIGS. 6A and 6D). Further, the outer surface of the shell 626 can be asmooth surface. Accordingly, liquid drops can slide down the slope in atrajectory (such as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 6A and 6D) that is awayfrom the graphics processing unit 622. As shown in FIG. 6D, liquid dropscan still be directed away from the housing 624 even though the outershell 626 may not enclose the housing 624 along its entire height suchthat the front surface of the housing stands proud of a front surface ofthe outer shell 626. The gaps between the shell 626 and the housing 624can allow the shell 626 to protect the housing 624 from liquid dropswithout compromising the air flow through the interior of the housing624 to dissipate heat generated by the processors inside the housing624. The shell 626 can also have an opening 642 on its bottom side wallso as to allow access to the connection ports on the housing 624.

Example Display Racks with Improved Heat Dissipation

Heat dissipation can also be important in the multi-parameter monitoringdevice racks as the device racks disclosed herein can have its ownprocessing units and/or host processing units in individualpatient-monitoring modules. These processing units can generate heatwhen in use.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the device rack 110 in FIGS. 1A-1E can have ahousing 112 sized to leave a gap 111 between an inner wall of thehousing 112 and a dock housing 116 configured for receiving the patientmonitor modules. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1E, thedevice rack 110 can have a fan 113 at or near a back side of the housing112. The signal processing unit 114 of the device rack 110 can bedisposed between the dock housing 116 and the fan 113. When the fan 113is turned on, for example, by a controller in the device rack 110, coolair, such as air at ambient and/or room temperature, can enter themulti-parameter monitoring device rack 110 via the gap 111, as shown bythe incoming arrow in FIG. 7B. The outgoing arrow in FIG. 7B can showheated air leaving the multi-parameter monitoring device rack 110 afterthe air has passed through the processors in the device rack 110,including the signal processing unit 114 and/or the processers in thepatient monitor modules. The air can exit the housing 112 via airoutflow openings 144 of the fan 113 (see FIGS. 1E and 1G). The air flowpath through the device rack housing 112 can be more efficient indissipating the heat in the housing 112 than heat exchanges between airinside and outside the device rack housing via vent openings on only oneside of the housing.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the dock housing 116 can also have a plurality ofvent openings 143. The openings 143 can be near the gap 111 and beadjacent to the air flow path. The vent openings 143 on the dock housing116 can allow cooling air to reach the patient monitor modules receivedin the device rack 110 to cool the processors in the patient monitormodules.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7C-7E, the device rack 710, which can be thedevice 210, 310 as shown in FIGS. 2A-3B, can also have a gap 711 betweenan inner wall of the housing 712 and the dock housing 716 of the devicerack 710. Accordingly, a same or similar air flow path as shown in FIG.7B can be generated in the device rack 710 to cool the processors in thehousing 712, including the signal processing unit and/or the processersin the patient monitor modules. As shown in FIG. 7E, the dock housing716 can also have a plurality of vent openings 743. The openings can benear the gap 711 and be adjacent to the cooling air flow path. The ventopenings 743 on the dock housing 716 can allow cooling air to reach thepatient monitor modules received in the device rack 710 to cool theprocessors on the patient monitor modules.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7E, the device racks 110, 710 can alsohave drip-proof features. In the device rack 110, the gap 111 can belocated on the front side of the housing 112 that has a recessed portion119. In the device rack 710, the gap 711 can be located on the frontside of the housing 712 that has a beveled portion 119. The recessedportion 119 and the beveled portion 719 can result in the remainder ofthe device rack housing 112, 712 extending over the gap 111, 711 when inuse. The reminder of the device rack housing 112, 712 can shield the gap111, 711 from liquid drops. In the device rack 110, 710, the dockhousing 116, 716 can also be sized so that when a patient monitor moduleis received into the dock housing 116, 716, a portion of the moduleextends outward from the front side of the device rack 110, 710 so thatthe portion of the module can hang over the gap 111, 711. Theoverhanging modules can also reduce the likelihood of liquid dropsentering into the gap 111, 711. In the device rack 710, the dock housing710 can also extend outward from the front side of the device rackhousing 712. Even when the dock housing 716 is not fully occupied bypatient monitor modules, the dock housing 716 can extend over the gap711 to reduce the likelihood of liquid drops entering the gap 711.

The device rack 710 can also have the same or similar drip-prooffeatures in the graphics processing unit as described above withreference to FIGS. 6A-6G. For example, the vent openings (see 244 inFIG. 2B and 344 in FIG. 3B) on the back side of the device rack 710 canbe located on an inner cover. A top surface of the housing 712 of thedevice rack 710 can have a slope configured to allow liquid drops toslide off from the housing in a trajectory away from inner cover.Accordingly, the housing 712 of the device rack 710 can be configured toreduce the likelihood of liquid drops entering the vent openings (see244 in FIG. 2B and 344 in FIG. 3B) and/or the speaker (see 217 in FIG.2B and 317 in FIG. 3B).

Example Dual-Use Patient Monitor Modules

FIGS. 8A-8C show a dual-use patient monitor module 132 configured to bedocked into the device rack 110 in FIGS. 1A-1H. FIGS. 8B and 8Cillustrate the dual-use patient monitor module 132 in isolation. Thedual-use patient monitor module 132 can have its own display unit 135 inaddition to the one or more sensor ports and processing units, and canfunction as a stand-alone small portable patient monitoring device. Thedisplay unit 135 can be integrated into the housing of the dual-usemodule 132. The display unit 135 can be in communication with theprocessing unit of the dual-use module 132 to display the one or moreparameters measured by the sensor(s) connected to the dual-use module132. The dual-use module 132 can have a handle 133 on a housing of themodule 132. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, when the dual-use patientmonitor module 132 needs to be inserted into the multi-parameter patientmonitoring device rack 110, the handle 133 can be folded down into aretracted position. The housing of the dual-use module 132 can have arecess or groove 131 configured to receive the handle 133 when thehandle 133 is folded down into the retracted position. When the handle933 is in the retracted position, the handle 933 does not protrudeoutward from an outer wall of the module 931. This configuration canallow the housing of the dual-use module 132 to have a smooth outerprofile compatible with the modular dock size of the multi-parameterpatient monitoring device rack 110. As shown in FIG. 8C, when the dualuse module 132 is used as a stand-alone patient monitoring device, thehandle 133 can be rotated to an upright position, or an extendedposition, to enhance portability of the dual-use module 132. Ahealthcare professional can hand-carry the dual-use module 132 tovarious locations by holding onto the handle 133, which is moreergonomic than holding onto the housing of the module 132.

FIG. 9 illustrates a dual-use patient monitor model 932 configured to bedocked into a device rack 910, which can be the device rack 210, 310 inFIGS. 2A-3B. The dual-use patient monitor model 932 can have any offeatures of the dual-use patient monitor model 132 described above andany other features described below. The dual-use patient monitor module932 can have its own display unit 935 in addition to the one or moresensors and processing units, and can function as a stand-alone smallportable patient monitoring device. The dual-use module 932 can have ahandle 933. When the dual-use patient monitor module 932 needs to beinserted into the multi-parameter patient monitoring device rack 910,the handle 933 can be folded down into a retracted position. The housingof the dual-use module 932 can have a recess or groove 931 configured toreceive the handle 933 when the handle 133 is folded down into theretracted position. When the handle 933 is in the retracted position,the handle 933 does not protrude outward from an outer wall of themodule 931. This configuration can allow the housing of the dual-usemodule 932 to have a smooth outer profile compatible with the modulardock size of the multi-parameter patient monitoring device rack 910. Themodule 932 can also have a beveled portion 937 on its front surface soas to align with a beveled portion 919 on the front surface of thedevice rack 910. When the dual-use module 932 is used as a stand-alonepatient monitoring device, the handle 933 can be rotated to an uprightposition, or an extended position, to enhance portability of thedual-use module 932.

Example Device Racks with Modular Docks

As shown in FIG. 10, a multi-parameter patient monitoring device rack110 disclosed herein can be in communication with a separate displayunit 120 disclosed herein. The multi-parameter monitoring systemdescribed herein can be used in low acuity settings, such as in astep-down unit, emergency center, or surgery center, and/or in highacuity settings, such as neonatal ICU, medical ICU, Cardiothoracic (CT)ICU, and neuro and trauma ICU. The display unit 120 can have varyingdisplay area sizes. The processing unit of the device rack 110 can alsowirelessly communicate with a wearable patient monitoring device so asto display values of the parameters monitored by the wearable device onthe display unit 120.

Turning to FIG. 11, the parameters of interest can depend on the settingin which the multi-parameter monitoring system is used. Further, whileone multi-parameter patient monitoring device rack may be sufficient formeasuring a basic parameter set in low acuity systems, two or moremulti-parameter patient monitoring device racks may be required for highacuity systems because of the number of parameters that requiremonitoring. Using the multi-parameter monitoring device rack 110 as anexample, each device rack can have a plurality of (for example, six,eight, or more) modular docks. The plurality of modular docks 116 canreceive the patient monitor modules or bricks 130, 132, 134, 136, 138.The patient monitoring modules 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 can have a sizethat is the same as the modular dock size or multiples of the dock size.As shown in FIG. 1G, the patient monitoring modules 130, 132, 134, 136,138 can have a size configured for being received in one, two, threemodular docks, and so on. The modules 134, 136, 138 can have a size forbeing received by one module dock. The module 130 can have a size forbeing received by two modular docks. The module 132 can have a size forbeing received by three modular docks. As another example, in FIG. 9,the dual-use patient module 932 can have a size for being received bythree modular docks of the device rack 910.

Terminology

Many other variations than those described herein will be apparent fromthis disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, certain acts,events, or functions of any of the algorithms described herein can beperformed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left outaltogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for thepractice of the algorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts orevents can be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threadedprocessing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processorcores or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially. Inaddition, different tasks or processes can be performed by differentmachines and/or computing systems that can function together.

It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages can beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the embodimentsdisclosed herein. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodiedor carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and algorithm stepsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can beimplemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinationsof both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware andsoftware, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the disclosure.

The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented orperformed by a machine, such as a general purpose processor, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmablelogic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor,but in the alternative, the processor can be a controller,microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or thelike. A processor can include electrical circuitry or digital logiccircuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. Inanother embodiment, a processor includes an FPGA or other programmabledevice that performs logic operations without processingcomputer-executable instructions. A processor can also be implemented asa combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and amicroprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or moremicroprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration. A computing environment can include any type of computersystem, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on amicroprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, aportable computing device, a device controller, or a computationalengine within an appliance, to name a few.

The steps of a method, process, or algorithm described in connectionwith the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly inhardware, in a software module stored in one or more memory devices andexecuted by one or more processors, or in a combination of the two. Asoftware module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM, or any other form of non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium, media, or physical computer storage known in the art. An examplestorage medium can be coupled to the processor such that the processorcan read information from, and write information to, the storage medium.In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor.The storage medium can be volatile or nonvolatile. The processor and thestorage medium can reside in an ASIC.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,”“may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or states are in any way required for one or moreembodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logicfor deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed inany particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,”“having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in anopen-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features,acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in itsinclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, forexample, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some,or all of the elements in the list. Further, the term “each,” as usedherein, in addition to having its ordinary meaning, can mean any subsetof a set of elements to which the term “each” is applied.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may beeither X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z).Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and shouldnot, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at leastone of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” shouldgenerally be interpreted to include one or more described items.Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended toinclude one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devicescan also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations.For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B andC” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation Aworking in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry outrecitations B and C.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be madewithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will berecognized, certain embodiments of the inventions described herein canbe embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features andbenefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practicedseparately from others.

Additionally, all publications, patents, and patent applicationsmentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference tothe same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patentapplication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hardware processing unit for use in anenvironment in which the hardware processing unit is exposed to fluiddrops, the unit comprising: one or more hardware processors; a housingcomprising a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and awall extending between the first and second sides, the one or morehardware processors disposed inside the housing, the wall comprising atleast one vent opening to allow heat inside the housing to bedissipated; and an outer shell extending around at least a portion ofthe wall, the outer shell comprising a slope so that liquid drops ontothe unit are directed away from the at least one vent opening by theouter shell.
 2. The hardware processing unit of claim 1, wherein aninner surface of the shell is spaced from an outer surface of the wallby a gap of a predetermined size.
 3. The hardware processing unit ofclaim 2, wherein the hardware processing unit is generally rectangular.4. The hardware processing unit of claim 1, wherein a height of the wallas defined by a distance between the first and second sides is greaterthan a height of the outer shell.
 5. The hardware processing unit ofclaim 1, further comprising a fan inside the housing.
 6. The hardwareprocessing unit of claim 5, wherein the housing comprises at least twovent openings on opposite sides of the housing, the fan configured todraw air across the at least two vent openings.
 7. The hardwareprocessing unit of claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises one ormore openings that allow access to one or both of electrical ormechanical connectors on the housing.
 8. The hardware processing unit ofclaim 1, wherein the hardware processing unit is a graphics processingunit, the one or more hardware processors comprising one or moregraphics processors.
 9. The hardware processing unit of claim 1, whereinthe hardware processing unit is configured to be in electricalcommunication with a graphics processing unit in a separate housing. 10.The hardware processing unit of claim 1, wherein the hardware processingunit further comprises a plurality of docks configured to receive aplurality of patient monitor modules.
 11. A hardware processing unit foruse in an environment in which the hardware processing unit is exposedto fluid drops, the unit comprising: one or more hardware processors; ahousing comprising a first side, a second side opposite the first side,and a wall extending between the first and second sides, the one or morehardware processors disposed inside the housing, the wall comprising atleast one vent opening; and an outer shell extending around the at leasta portion of the at least one vent opening of wall without the innersurface of the shell making contact with the at least one vent openingso that the outer shell inhibits liquid drops from entering the housingvia the at least one vent opening while improving dissipation of heatgenerated by the one or more hardware processors from the at least onevent opening.
 12. The hardware processing unit of claim 11, wherein theouter shell comprising a slope so that liquid drops onto the unit aredirected away from the at least one vent opening by the outer shell. 13.The hardware processing unit of claim 11, wherein the hardwareprocessing unit is generally rectangular.
 14. The hardware processingunit of claim 13, wherein an inner surface of the outer shell is spacedapart from an outer surface of the wall by a gap on all four sides. 15.The hardware processing unit of claim 11, wherein a height of the wallas defined by a distance between the first and second sides is greaterthan a height of the outer shell.
 16. The hardware processing unit ofclaim 11, further comprising a fan inside the housing.
 17. The hardwareprocessing unit of claim 16, wherein the housing comprises at least twovent openings on opposite sides of the housing, the fan configured todraw air across the at least two vent openings.
 18. The hardwareprocessing unit of claim 11, wherein the hardware processing unit is agraphics processing unit, the one or more hardware processors comprisingone or more graphics processors.
 19. The hardware processing unit ofclaim 11, wherein the hardware processing unit is configured to be inelectrical communication with a graphics processing unit in a separatehousing.
 20. The hardware processing unit of claim 11, wherein thehardware processing unit further comprises a plurality of docksconfigured to receive a plurality of patient monitor modules.